A CARLISLE College apprentice has became the first in the country to complete a remote online assessment to finish his course.

Regan Smith, engineering technician apprentice at Pirelli has successfully completed the assessment and is now employed full-time. 

He said: "I'd recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering it, it’s a great opportunity allowing you to learn on the job, get paid and gain a qualification."

Industry specialist firm EAL operates the Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician End-Point Assessment that ensures apprentices are assessed consistently in the final stage of their programmes.

The Coronavirus crisis meant these assessments have to now take place online to comply with social distancing measures.

Martin Norris, business development manager at Carlisle College, said: “In these unprecedented times it is important that our apprentices are able to achieve what they set out to do at the beginning of their apprenticeship and it's fantastic that we are able to celebrate their achievements after a such a challenging year."

Annette Collins, head of customer service delivery, for the assessments at EAL, said: “Remote End-point Assessment, from the most reputable industry specialist, is being deployed wherever possible, to ensure that the flow of highly qualified skills is available to the sector at the moment it needs it most.”

The college works with more than 700 apprentices and 350 businesses and has 30 programmes.

For more information go to carlisle.ac.uk or email apprenticeships@carlisle.ac.uk